RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To determine health-related effects of viewing pro-eating disorder (Pro-ED) websites. METHODS: A systematic review was carried out addressing: 1. The effect of viewing pro-ED websites on 'eating disorder behaviour', 2. The effect of viewing pro-ED websites on viewers' negative and positive affect. RESULTS: Seven studies were included. Pro-ED viewers compared with controls showed higher levels of dieting and exercise (3 studies, 2 suggesting causation); higher levels of drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction and perfectionism (2 studies, both associative); a reduced likelihood of binging/purging (one study); increased negative affect (two studies); and a positive correlation between viewing pro-ED websites, disease duration and hospitalisations (one study). CONCLUSION: Viewing pro-ED websites may increase eating disorder behaviour but might not cause it. It may cause increased negative affect after a single short website exposure. For those with eating disorders, viewing is positively correlated with disease duration and hospitalisations. Professionals should be aware ofthese sites and their potential damage for health.
OBJETIVO: Determinar los efectos para la salud a consecuencia de ver páginas web a favor del desorden alimentario. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio sistemático que abordó los siguientes asuntos: 1. El efecto de ver páginas web sobre "comportamientos de desorden alimentario "; 2. El efecto que ver páginas web a favor del desorden alimentario, tiene sobre el afecto negativo y positivo de los usuarios en cuestión. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron siete estudios. Los usuarios que ven páginas pro-desorden alimentario mostraron niveles más altos de dieta y ejercicio, en comparación con los controles (3 estudios, 2 que sugieren causalidad); niveles más altos de compulsión a la delgadez, insatisfacción corporal y perfeccionismo (2 estudios, ambos asociativos); una probabilidad reducida de atracones/purga (un estudio); aumento del afecto negativo (dos estudios); y una correlación positiva entre ver páginas web prodesorden alimentario, duración de la enfermedad y hospitalización (un estudio). CONCLUSIÓN: Ver páginas Web pro-desorden alimentario puede aumentar los comportamientos de desorden alimentario pero podría no ser la causa. Puede producirse un aumento del afecto negativo luego de una sola exposición breve a la página Web. Para aquellas personas con desordenes alimentarios, el ver las páginas Web guarda una correlación positiva con la duración de la enfermedad y las hospitalizaciones. Los profesionales deben tener conciencia de estos sitios y su daño potencial para la salud.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Imagen Corporal , Trastornos de Alimentación y de la Ingestión de Alimentos , Internet , FotograbarRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To determine health-related effects of viewing pro-eating disorder (Pro-ED) websites. METHODS: A systematic review was carried out addressing: 1. The effect of viewing pro-ED websites on eating disorder behaviour 2. The effect of viewing pro-ED websites on viewers' negative and positive affect. RESULTS: Seven studies were included. Pro-ED viewers compared with controls showed higher levels of dieting and exercise (3 studies, 2 suggesting causation); higher levels of drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction and perfectionism (2 studies, both associative); a reduced likelihood of binging/purging (one study); increased negative affect (two studies); and a positive correlation between viewing pro-ED websites, disease duration and hospitalisations (one study). CONCLUSION: Viewing pro-ED websites may increase eating disorder behaviour but might not cause it. It may cause increased negative affect after a single short website exposure. For those with eating disorders, viewing is positively correlated with disease duration and hospitalisations. Professionals should be aware of these sites and their potential damage for health.